By Marlynda Meraw
KUCHING, Nov 25: The Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) today passed the Sustainable Resources and Wastes Management Bill 2025, marking a significant milestone in the State’s push to transform waste into economic value while advancing environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
The Bill, tabled by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, outlines a comprehensive legal framework as well as a dedicated Authority to regulate, coordinate, and promote sustainable resources and waste management throughout Sarawak.
“The Bill marks an important step in advancing Sarawak’s environmental sustainability, circular economy and energy transition, in line with the YAB Premier’s (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) vision, ‘Don’t waste the wastes – monetise the wastes’,” said Uggah, who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy.
A key feature of the Bill is the creation of a dedicated Authority responsible for overseeing all aspects of sustainable resources and waste management across the Sarawak.
“The Authority will regulate, coordinate, and promote sustainable resources and wastes management throughout the State,” told Uggah to the august house.
It will also be empowered to issue guidelines or directions, require reports, approve plans or projects, and ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
He added that the Minister responsible for the overall implementation and administration of the Bill will be the one overseeing energy and environmental sustainability.
To encourage industry participation, the Bill introduces provisions empowering the Authority to provide incentives or rewards to individuals or industries contributing to sustainable resource utilisation and waste-management initiatives.
“All these shows that the Sarawak Government is serious in encouraging all sectors to participate in our effort to promote sustainable resources and wastes management throughout the State to advance Sarawak’s renewable energy and circular economy goals,” Uggah added.
The Authority will also be vested with enforcement powers, including the power of arrest, issuance of compounds, and the authority to conduct searches and seizures.
It may also dispose of or forfeit goods in accordance with the Bill’s enforcement provisions.
Non-compliance with any direction, notice, or order issued by the Authority or its Chief Executive Officer constitutes an offence, which upon conviction, offenders may face a minimum fine of RM20,000, up to RM50,000, or imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
The Bill defines “sustainable resources” as any biological or non-biological or any discarded material from any premise or site including industrial, construction, agricultural waste or wood wastes from logging of forest which possesses recoverable value or is capable of being converted into energy or other non-energy products.
“Wastes” on the other hand, is defined as any substance, material or object that is intended or required to be discarded or disposed and no longer be able to be reused, recycled or recovered will also be regulated under the Bill and to be detailed out in the regulation.
To Uggah, who is also the Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), the enactment of the Bill will confer upon Sarawak the authority to regulate sustainable resources and wastes in an effective and efficient manner.
During his winding-up speech, Uggah expressed appreciation for the robust engagement demonstrated during the debate, noting that 24 members had contributed constructive views, proposals, and concerns that would guide the Authority’s eventual establishment and implementation of its responsibilities.
“You have done very extensive research, and the Premier was very impressed with your understanding of this Bill,” he said.
He reiterated that the Bill represents an important step forward in ensuring Sarawak meets international standards and rising global expectations in sustainable resource governance.
“Together we can make Sarawak greener, cleaner, and more prosperous.” — DayakDaily
